Prof. Dr. Stefan Selke inspires with ideas for transformation
Are we really living in hopeless times? Or is there still reason for optimism? HFU professor Dr. Stefan Selke has been addressing these key questions for several years within the context of his “Transformative and Public Science” research professorship. Based on his research into real-utopian reform laboratories worldwide and his analysis of future narratives and technological promises (e.g., in the context of artificial intelligence), the sociologist advocates an urgently needed change of perspective − instead of always talking about necessary adjustments and fears, we should emphasise the opportunities and positive possibilities that lie ahead, Selke believes. “Discouraged adaptation should no longer be romanticised as purposeful optimism. Preparing for future changes is something completely different from adapting to them without any alternative,” Selke summarises his message. What is urgently needed in politics, business, and the education system is an alternative perspective on shaping the future. “Shaping transformation processes requires not only clever plans, but above all a stronger emotional connection to these clever plans,” Selke continues. “I call this attitude future euphoria!”
At a time when optimism is becoming obsolete and resignation (which can also be measured empirically) is part of the background noise of the present, this message is gaining traction. Future euphoria “made by HFU” in the form of transformation ideas is increasingly in demand from companies, universities, and political institutions. In a wide variety of locations, Selke refreshes his audience with an alternative narrative of the future, which he likes to call “poetry of hope.”
Most recently, it was particularly prominent at the “Week of Future Euphoria” in Berlin. How the event got its title is an interesting story. “In 2022, I gave a lecture at the Komische Oper in Berlin,” Selke recounts. The term “future euphoria” stuck there and was then used as the guiding concept by the event organiser. “It's funny because my new book on future euphoria hasn't even been published yet. But the time seems ripe for this term.”
Convinced that there must be alternatives to the ubiquitous complaints, Selke founded the “Archive of Future Euphoria” as a long-term intercultural project. Together with students at a partner university in Rio de Janeiro and students at HFU, he develops and documents optimistic messages about the future. In 2026, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) will support him for a short-term lectureship in Rio to collect further messages as part of a workshop on “public science.”
His transformative ideas continue to be in demand. At the end of October, Selke spoke at the former parliament building in Bonn. “Directly beneath the huge federal eagle. Perhaps it's only a small step until the idea of future euphoria ‘made by HFU’ is brought to the current Bundestag?” says Selke. “After all, Gerhard Schröder, then Chancellor, praised the ‘Furtwangen model’ in the Bundestag. Instead of clever technology, however, it is now time to bring a real spirit of optimism to Berlin. Or simply start right here.”